Philadelphia, PA (January 30, 2020) – The Pennsylvania SPCA executed two search warrants, rescuing a total of 22 animals, from an individual previously convicted of animal cruelty in Northumberland County Wednesday, January 29, over concerns for the welfare of animals.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers received a call for concern from local law enforcement and subsequently removed 7 cats from the 400 block of Trevorton Road in Zerbe Township and an additional 14 cats & kittens and a macaw from the 600 block of East Commerce Street in Shamokin. Both properties had the same owner/occupant.
The animals were removed from the property over concerns for lack of veterinary care and unsanitary living conditions.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement executed the search warrant Wednesday afternoon, and were still removing animals into the evening hours.
All animals from the property were brought to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to receive further diagnostics and treatment at the organization’s Animal Hospital. The owner refused to surrender any of the animals to the Pennsylvania SPCA so they will remain in the protective custody of the organization until they are signed over by the owner or until the adjudication of the court case.
“This case of animal cruelty is especially troubling as the owner has been convicted of crimes against animals in the past,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “We hope that with the stricter penalties brought to the Commonwealth under Libre’s Law that situations like this can be avoided in the future. In the meantime, the animals rescued are safe in the care of the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Hospital.”
The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation.
Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.